WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 27, 2017) – Veterans deserve to have the red carpet rolled out for them, which is why Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) today introduced the Modernization of Medical Records Access for Veterans Act of 2017. This legislation would direct the VA Secretary to carry out a pilot program establishing a secure, patient-centered, portable medical records system to allow veterans access to their own comprehensive medical records.

“Our veterans deserve the best care imaginable,” said McMorris Rodgers. “When patients have the proper information about their medical history, they can work with their doctors to make the best decisions for themselves. These pilot programs will provide cards that veterans can bring with them to their doctors that contain all of their personal medical information. I’m proud to partner again with Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) to find bipartisan solutions to fix the problems at the VA and get our veterans the care they’ve earned.”

“The men and women who have served our country deserve the same access to their own medical records that private citizens have,” said Moulton. “Making it easier, not harder, for service members to receive the best healthcare in the world should be a top priority. This bipartisan legislation helps bring veterans healthcare into the 21st century and I encourage my colleagues to join our effort.”

Currently, patients in the private sector have access to their own medical records and enjoy the ease of sharing those directly with their doctors and having them updated immediately. It only makes sense that veterans have that same access. This legislation will ensure that veterans and their healthcare providers have access across the VA and community providers. It will improve veteran care and satisfaction, and provide the ability for medical records to be updated immediately for the veteran.

NOTE: Last Congress, Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Seth Moulton introduced the Faster Care for Veterans Act, which was signed into law by President Obama at the end of last year. You can find more information about this legislation here.